It wasn't the day before Christmas, but there was a 'grand market' in New Kingston last Friday, courtesy of telecommunications company Claro.

Patrons who wanted to avoid the rush of last-minute shopping on Christmas Eve browsed around some 30 booths looking to fill their Christmas stockings.

"Is a cologne mi a try get fi mi boyfriend fi de Christmas," said Kerry-Ann, who works as a receptionist at a company in New Kingston, close to 'grand market central' on Grenada Crescent.

The 27-year-old, who requested that her surname not be published, told The Gleaner that, more than ever, she was seeking ultimate value for money.

Kerry-Ann stood at one of the few booths selling colognes and accessories for nearly 15 minutes checking out various fragrances and price tags before finally deciding to purchase one for $3,000.

Cutting back

"Things rough, man, this year mi all haffi cut down the (number of) people mi used to buy gifts for," she said.

Many of the booths were even offering special discounts of up to 50 per cent off selected items.

"Mi haffi get a dress here," said Simone Brown, as she held to her tall, slender frame a short multi-coloured knee-length party dress.

Brown told The Gleaner that the price of the dress was definitely a bargain: she got it for $1,200, a significant markdown from the market rate of $3,000.

Winston Sill/Freelance Photographer

Shoppers check out one of the many booths at Claro's Christmas 'grand market' in New Kingston last Friday.

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